How to Care for a Colorado Blue Spruce

Report This Article

How to Care for a Colorado Blue Spruce

Overview

Colorado Blue Spruce present a striking appearance, with stiff blue-green to silver foliage. These trees have a 20- to 30-foot spread and height of up to 135 feet and need plenty of room. Dwarf varieties are suitable for smaller spaces. Spruce tolerate cold weather well, and once established, can take dry conditions also. Colorado Blue Spruce can be grown in zones three to eight.

Step 1

Choose the correct location to plant your Colorado Blue Spruce. The trees prefer full sunlight and rich soil. Keep in mind the size of a mature tree and plant well away from building foundations, driveways, sidewalks and overhead power lines.

Step 2

Water Colorado Blue Spruce at least once a week in hot, dry weather, especially while the tree is young. While mature Blue Spruce will tolerate some drought, the trees prefer moist soil. Water thoroughly allowing water to soak into the soil around the tree. Colorado Blue Spruce have deep roots, so you must provide enough water to soak in to reach the roots.

Step 3

Mulch the tree with wood chips, pine straw or bark mulch to keep the soil from drying out too much. Spread the mulch out at least 4 feet from the trunk of the tree in all directions, 2 to 3 inches thick.

Step 4

Prune dead spruce branches in the spring. Spruce can be susceptible to several pests including Cytosporo canker and spruce gall aphids. If you see any sign of disease or insect infestation, cut off the infected branch and consult an arborist about further treatment.

Tips and Warnings

Don't crowd Colorado Blue Spruce too close to buildings or other trees. Good air circulation all around helps deter pests and disease.

Things You'll Need

Water

Mulch

Pruning saw

References

Colorado Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce Tree Care

A Cure for the Spruce Blues

Who Can Help

About this Author

Cynthia James is the author of more than 40 novels and her nonfiction work has appeared in publications ranging from Modern Bride to Popular Mechanics. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, she has a degree in economics. Before turning to freelancing full time, James worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager.